Porch Pumpkins: Designs to Wow Your Neighbors

Nothing says fall quite like an orange pumpkin. Autumn . . . Halloween . . . they are both synonymous with the jack-o’-lantern. Rooted in Irish history, the story of the jack-o’-lantern dates to the mid 1600s and continues to delight children and adults today.

This year, gather the family and make an event of decorating pumpkins to adorn your front porch. Meridian Ranch neighbors and visitors will enjoy the visual feast of seasonal spirit.

Check out this sampling of some jack-o’-lantern designs that are sure to wow:

Classic Pumpkin Carving Ideas

Carving pumpkins is a time-tested tradition for many cultures throughout the world. It’s time to roll up your sleeves, lay out some newspaper, and get busy creating your masterpiece! Start by cutting a hole around the stem and scooping out the mushy innards, complete with seeds. Next, use a pattern for your design or freehand it—just be careful when handling the sharp carving tool! Try one of these classic designs, or create your own.

• Happy face with triangle eyes and a toothy smile
• Scary face with squinted eyes and a menacing mouth
• Funny face with a boisterous laughing mouth
• Flying bat
• Full-body ghost
• Broom-mounted witch
• Creepy spider

Paint outside the Lines

Who says you must carve a pumpkin for it to be a jack-o’-lantern? Painting can be just as effective for creating a head-turning porch-topper—or maybe even more so! Stow the carving knife and don the paintbrush to transform a plain pumpkin into dazzling decor. Choose a color and get creative with it: brush on a face, an intricate design, or a pattern.

Go Rogue

Why use the standard pumpkin when there are so many clever alternatives? These beyond-the-pumpkin ideas are fun to experiment with and are sure to be a conversation starter with neighbors:

• Gourds
• Watermelons
• Bell peppers
• Pineapple
• Orange
• Turnips
• Avocados

This season, wow neighbors with your impressive pumpkin-decorating skills. Get the kiddos involved and make it a family tradition that will delight them for years to come. Happy autumn!

Meridian Ranch is Falcon, Colorado’s, premier master-planned community. Residents here enjoy extensive onsite amenities, a variety of nearby shopping and dining options, parks and recreation opportunities, and beautiful brand-new homes. See yourself here: visit us today and check out our available inventory of ranch and 2-story floorplans, starting in the $400s.